2009 TOYOTA MATRIX suspension

76 1-7. Safety information
CAUTION
■SRS airbag precautions
●If breathing becomes difficult after the SRS airbag has deployed, open a
door or window to allow fresh air in, or leave the vehicle if it is safe to do
so. Wash off any residue as soon as possible to prevent skin irritation.
●Vehicles with side and curtain shield airbags: If the areas where the SRS
airbags are stored, such as the steering wheel pad and front and rear pillar
garnishes, are damaged or cracked, have them replaced by your Toyota
dealer.
●Vehicles without side and curtain shield airbags: If the areas where the
SRS airbags are stored, such as the steering wheel pad are damaged or
cracked, have them replaced by your Toyota dealer.
■Modification and disposal of SRS airbag system components
Do not dispose of your vehicle or perform any of the following modifications
without consulting your Toyota dealer.
The SRS airbags may malfunction or deploy (inflate) accidentally, causing
death or serious injury.
●Installation, removal, disassembly and repair of the SRS airbags.
●Vehicles with side airbags and curtain shield airbags: Repairs, modifica-
tions, removal or replacement of the steering wheel, instrument panel,
dashboard, seats or seat upholstery, front, side and rear pillars or roof side
rail.
●Vehicles without side airbags and curtain shield airbags: Repairs, modifi-
cations, removal or replacement of the steering wheel, instrument panel,
dashboard, seats or seat upholstery.
●Repairs or modifications of the front fender, front bumper, or side of the
occupant compartment.
●Installation of snow plows, winches, etc. to the front grille (bull bars, kan-
garoo bar etc.).
●Modifications to the vehicle's suspension system.
●Installation of electronic devices such as mobile two-way radios or CD
players.
●Modifications to your vehicle for a person with a physical disability.

105 2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
NOTICE
■If you hear a squealing or scraping noise (brake pad wear limit indica-
tors)
Have the brake pads checked and replaced by your Toyota dealer as soon
as possible.
Rotor damage can result if the pads are not replaced when needed.
It is dangerous to drive the vehicle when the wear limits of the brake pads
and/or those of the brake discs are exceeded.
■If you get a flat tire while driving
A flat or damaged tire may cause the following situations. Hold the steering
wheel firmly and gradually press the brake pedal to slow down the vehicle.
●It may be difficult to control your vehicle.
●The vehicle will make abnormal sounds.
●The vehicle will behave abnormally.
Replace a flat tire with a new one. (→P. 365)
■When encountering flooded roads
Do not drive on a road that has flooded after heavy rain etc. Doing so may
cause the following serious damage to the vehicle.
●Engine stalling
●Short in electrical components
●Engine damage caused by water immersion
In the event that you drive on a flooded road and the vehicle is flooded, be
sure to have your Toyota dealer check the following.
●Brake function
●Changes in quantity and quality of engine oil, and transaxle fluid etc.
●Lubricant condition for the bearings and suspension joints (where possi-
ble) and the function of all joints, bearings, etc.

116 2-1. Driving procedures
■Maximum allowable speeds
Observe the following maximum allowable speeds in each gear when maxi-
mum acceleration is necessary.
2.4 L 4-cylinder (2AZ-FE) engine (without double wishbone rear suspen-
sion)
mph (km/h)
2.4 L 4-cylinder (2AZ-FE) engine (with double wishbone rear suspension)
mph (km/h)
1.8 L 4-cylinder (2ZR-FE) engine
mph (km/h)
Shift positionMaximum speed
1 31 (50)
2 53 (86)
3 82 (132)
4 112 (181)
Shift positionMaximum speed
1 31 (50)
2 54 (87)
3 83 (134)
4 113 (183)
Shift positionMaximum speed
1 34 (55)
2 56 (91)
3 82 (132)
4 121 (195)

139 2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
CAUTION
■When VSC is activated
The slip indicator light flashes and a warning buzzer sounds. Always drive
carefully. Reckless driving may cause an accident. Exercise particular care
when the indicator light flashes and a buzzer sounds.
■When TRAC and VSC are off
Be especially careful and drive at a speed appropriate to the road condi-
tions. As these are systems to ensure vehicle stability and driving force, do
not turn off TRAC and VSC unless necessary.
■Replacing tires
Make sure that all tires are of the same size, brand, tread pattern and total
load capacity. In addition, make sure that the tires are inflated to the recom-
mended tire pressure level.
The ABS and VSC systems will not function correctly if different tires are fit-
ted on the vehicle.
Contact your Toyota dealer for further information when replacing tires or
wheels.
■Handling of tires and suspension
Using tires with any kind of problem or modifying the suspension will affect
the driving assist systems, and may cause the system to malfunction.
■Active torque control 4WD system
●The AWD system of this vehicle is intended to ensure driving stability on
normal roads. It is not designed for use in demanding situations such as
rally driving.
●Take care when driving on slippery road surfaces.

150 2-5. Driving information
■Before towing
●Ensure that your vehicle’s tires are properly inflated. (→P. 312)
●Trailer tires should be inflated according to the trailer manufacturer's rec-
ommendation.
●All trailer lights must work in order to be legal.
●Confirm all lights work each time you connect them.
●Check that your vehicle remains level when a loaded or unloaded trailer
is hitched. Do not drive if the vehicle is not level, and check for improper
tongue load, overloading, worn suspension, or other possible causes.
●Make sure the trailer cargo is securely loaded.
●Check that your rear view mirrors conform to any federal, state/provincial
or local regulations. If they do not, install rear view mirrors appropriate for
towing purposes.
■Break-in schedule
Toyota recommends that you do not use a new vehicle or a vehicle with any
new power train components (engine, transmission, differential, wheel bear-
ings, etc.) to tow a trailer for the first 500 miles (800 km) of driving.
■Maintenance
●If you tow a trailer, your vehicle will require more frequent maintenance
due to the additional load. (See “Scheduled Maintenance Guide” or
“Owner's Manual Supplement”.)
●Retighten the fixing bolts of the towing ball and bracket after approxi-
mately 600 miles (1000 km) of trailer towing.

348
5-1. Essential information
If you think something is wrong
If you notice any of the following symptoms, your vehicle probably
needs adjustment or repair. Contact your Toyota dealer as soon as
possible.
■Visible symptoms
●Fluid leaks under the vehicle
(Water dripping from the air conditioning after use is normal.)
●Flat-looking tires or uneven tire wear
●Engine coolant temperature gauge needle continually points
higher than normal
■Audible symptoms
●Changes in exhaust sound
●Excessive tire squeal when cornering
●Strange noises related to the suspension system
●Pinging or other noises related to the engine
■Operational symptoms
●Engine missing, stumbling or running rough
●Appreciable loss of power
●Vehicle pulls heavily to one side when braking
●Vehicle pulls heavily to one side when driving on a level road
●Loss of brake effectiveness, spongy feeling, pedal almost
touches the floor

390
6-1. Specifications
Maintenance data (fuel, oil level, etc.)
Dimensions and weights
*1: Vehicles with 1.8 L 4-cylinder (2ZR-FE) engine and vehicles with AWD
model
*2: Vehicles with 2.4 L 4-cylinder (2AZ-FE) engine of 2WD model
*3: Vehicles without double wishbone rear suspension
*4: Vehicles with double wishbone rear suspension
Overall length171.9 in. (4365 mm)
*1
173.0 in. (4395 mm)*2
Overall width 69.5 in (1765 mm)
Overall height61.0 in (1550 mm)
*3
61.4 in (1560 mm)*4
Wheelbase 102.4 in (2600 mm)
TreadFront 59.8 in (1519 mm)
Rear 59.9 in (1522 mm)
Vehicle capacity weight
(Occupants + luggage)850 lb. (385 kg)
Towing capacity
(Trailer weight + cargo weight)1500 lb. (680 kg)